Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a tangy lemon and dill butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends skin-on, about 6 oz each salmon fillets, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, skin-on, about 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Spoon the melted butter and garlic over the salmon as it cooks for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Remove the salmon to plates. Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped dill to the pan. Stir until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Spoon the lemon-dill butter sauce over the salmon and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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